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A-ROSA Brava fitting out in Cologne's Deutz harbor before her christening, March 2011, sailing from Cologne, Germany

Cruise Frog guide

Cruises from Cologne, Germany

Cologne, with its cathedral by the river, is a stop on nearly every Rhine cruise.

Things to do in Cologne, Germany

  • Cologne CathedralGothic twin spires beside the river; climb the south tower for the view.
  • Kölsch in a brewhouseThe local beer, served in small glasses in the old-town brewhouses.
  • Chocolate MuseumOn a little peninsula on the riverbank, with a chocolate fountain.

When to go

  1. Jan: low season
  2. Feb: low season
  3. Mar: low season
  4. Apr: shoulder season
  5. May: high season
  6. Jun: high season
  7. Jul: high season
  8. Aug: high season
  9. Sep: high season
  10. Oct: shoulder season
  11. Nov: shoulder season
  12. Dec: low season

Spring to autumn, plus Christmas markets in December.

Flying in and getting to the ship

Easy transferCologne's Rhine moorings are about 15 km from Cologne Bonn Airport, 20 minutes by taxi or S-Bahn to the Hauptbahnhof beside the cathedral. Düsseldorf Airport is 40 minutes away. River lines usually include or sell a transfer from the airport to the ship; book it with the cruise, since river moorings can change with water levels.

Rental cars: Not needed.

The airport for Cologne, Germany is Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), with 2 lounges to wait in before you board.

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) on Lounge Frog

Ships sailing from Cologne, Germany

Ships that call at Cologne, Germany

Ships based elsewhere whose Rhine sailings regularly stop here. Calls vary by sailing, so check the itinerary.

And 69 more.

Quick answers

Which cruise ships sail from Cologne, Germany?

On Cruise Frog, 4 ships sail from Cologne, Germany: A-ROSA Alea (A-ROSA River Cruises), A-ROSA Brava (A-ROSA River Cruises), A-ROSA Clea (A-ROSA River Cruises) and A-ROSA Silva (A-ROSA River Cruises).

Which cruise lines sail from Cologne, Germany?

A-ROSA River Cruises sails from Cologne, Germany.

What is the best-rated ship sailing from Cologne, Germany?

A-ROSA Alea (A-ROSA River Cruises), at 3.5 out of 5 in Cruise Frog's editorial ratings.

Which airport do you fly into for a cruise from Cologne, Germany?

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). Lounge Frog lists 2 open lounges there for the wait before boarding.

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